Due to the emergence of social media and technology, there are new apps and trends appearing every day. Although it may be difficult to be aware of every app and its function, the information below will provide you with a detailed overview of the most popular apps amongst young people and importantly, how to remain safe when using them.
List of most used current apps for young people
Information on a wide range of the most popular applications currently used by young people on their devices. The website below provides age limits and safety ratings for social media apps used by young people.
WhatsApp is a really useful way to keep in touch with family and friends across the world. Unfortunately WhatsApp like many other social media apps and online forums can be misused and can be used in cyberbullying and the sharing of inappropriate images. WhatsApp have both adjustable privacy settings and parental controls to help support you in keeping your child safe.
- WhatsApp Privacy settings
- WhatsApp Parental Controls (Apple devices)
- WhatsApp Parental Controls (Google and Android devices)
Age limits on apps and social media platforms
Most legal age limits for the use of social media is 13 years old in the UK. Please see this link below to more information:
However, it is important to note that the age restrictions are often higher throughout gaming platforms. For example, the age limit to use XBox Live without parental consent is 18 years old.
App restrictions and monitoring
Apple/IOS app restrictions
Apple provide advice on the following:
- Setting up screen time for the family.
- Content and privacy restriction: parents are able to block inappropriate content.
- Always allowed: Parents can choose apps they want to be used at all times.
- Communication limits: parents can set limits based on their child’s contacts.
- App limits: Parents are able to set limits for certain apps and even prevent their child from using certain apps.
- Prevent app store purchases: Parents are able to prevent app store purchases.
Google/Android app restrictions
Google provide advice on the following:
- How to block apps that your child may want to download
- Manage in-app purchases
- Hide apps on your child’s specific device
Internet Privacy: Apps to Protect Your child From Their Apps
Spyrix Free Keylogger (Free)
- Provides access to view all running applications, including games and iTunes
- Records the date and time of activity across devices
App Locker: passwords for your apps (Apple, £10)
- An app that allows you to password-protect individual applications
- Applicable with Touch/Face ID and recognition
- Access the history of when certain apps have been used
- Able to block app access to certain family members/children
Open DNS Family Shield
- Offers free blocking of inappropriate content across apps and websites
- For £15 a year, it is possible to track and protect all of your children’s devices.
Kaspersky Safe Kids
- Allows parents to manage screen time across a variety of devices
- Produces reports and statistics of what apps have been used and when
- Allows to monitor your child’s app settings
- Blocks bad YouTube suggestions and searches
- Gives real-time access to inappropriate sites and provides a leave ‘safe area’
Hidden Apps: How can apps be hidden and what apps are hidden?
It is possible to hide apps within a device and quite often young people may do this to either hide certain apps or information. There area also a wide variety of apps available that appear as an innocent app but in fact, are hidden and are able to hide certain information such as pictures and videos. Please see an example below:
Calculator Vault
- The app is hidden as a normal calculator, with a password locking perchildal information.
- The app is able to store pictures and videos but use a calculator mode to trick users
- It looks exactly the same as a normal calculator app